UK Court Hears Damning Recordings of Diezani Alison-Madueke Negotiating Bribes with Oil Contractors

A UK court has been played explosive audio recordings allegedly featuring former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke engaged in heated negotiations with oil contractors over bribe payments.

The recordings, which were discovered on a Samsung mobile phone seized during her arrest in London in October 2015, reportedly capture the former minister in tense exchanges discussing illicit financial arrangements with business associates in the oil and gas sector.

Prosecutors presented the audio evidence as part of ongoing corruption proceedings against Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigerias first female Petroleum Minister under the Goodluck Jonathan administration from 2010 to 2015.

The former minister was arrested by the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) on suspicion of bribery and money laundering offences. Investigators confiscated several electronic devices during the raid, including the Samsung phone containing the alleged recordings.

During the court session, prosecutors played segments of the audio where voices believed to be Alison-Madueke and contractors could be heard discussing payment terms and financial transactions. The conversations reportedly grew heated as parties negotiated the terms of alleged illicit deals.

The case forms part of a broader investigation into corruption allegations spanning Alison-Maduekes tenure as petroleum minister. Nigerian authorities have also accused her of embezzling billions of naira from the countrys oil sector, though she has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

Legal experts say the audio recordings could prove crucial in establishing a pattern of communication between the former minister and contractors seeking favourable treatment in Nigerias lucrative oil industry.

Alison-Madueke, who has been receiving medical treatment in the UK, faces potential extradition proceedings alongside separate corruption trials in Nigeria and the United States. The UK proceedings represent one of several legal battles she is contesting across multiple jurisdictions.

The court is expected to hear additional evidence in the coming weeks as prosecutors continue to build their case using material extracted from seized devices and financial records obtained through international cooperation agreements.

If convicted, the former minister could face significant prison time and asset forfeiture proceedings targeting properties and accounts linked to alleged proceeds of corruption.